Keep Singapore Clean

Today, Singapore is a clean and green city. That reputation certainly did not come about by chance. It is our responsibility to continue keeping our environment clean. A clean environment reflects the aesthetic needs of Singaporeans, and ultimately, of Singaporeans themselves. 

A clean living environment in Singapore is essential because Singapore is densely populated and is subjected to high annual rainfall, high humidity and high temperature, all of which provide ideal ecological conditions for rapid bacterial growth, organic decomposition and the propagation of disease-carrying insects.

So how did Singapore do it?  Back in 1968, when the first "Keep Singapore Clean" Campaign was launched. Its primary aim was to rid Singapore of her dirt and filth. The poor environmental conditions were due to indiscriminate littering by members of the public; the improper disposal and infrequent collection of refuse; and the careless dumping of waste in the streets and drains by some 24 thousand street hawkers. A clean living environment in Singapore is essential because Singapore is densely populated and is subjected to high annual rainfall, high humidity and high temperature, all of which provide ideal ecological conditions for rapid bacterial growth, organic decomposition and the propagation of disease-carrying insects. Any improper disposal of refuse and indiscriminate littering would thus create serious health hazards to the population.

After the campaign ended, thousands where employed to keep Singapore clean, these where the labourious "Broomstick Brigades", you can find them around Singapore in the early hours or in the late afternoon.

This is how we did it in 1968, 8 person + 8 custom made brooms.

The "Broomstick Brigades" works almost non-stop 8 hours a day and have half hour lunch break in between.

And this is how we do it today, 1 person + 1 big imported vacuum cleaner.

The "Lone Ranger" works 8 hours a day but have 1 hour lunch break and 2 half hour tea break in between.
It's larger cousin!

Fines were also imposed for the first time on those who dirtied the public areas after the campaign. The fear of having to pay $500 (by 2004, this was increased to $1000) was a quick and drastic way to enforce minimum standards of social behaviour on those who persisted in littering. The litter-bugs also had to suffer the embarrassment of having their names published. 

This is what made Singapore a FINE city today.

Updated On: 15.02.10